Can You Dye Bleached Hair Back to Black? A Comprehensive Guide

Going from blonde to black might seem like a simple switch, but when bleached hair is involved, it’s a different ballgame. The process can be tricky and requires careful planning and execution to achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result without causing significant damage. This article will delve into the complexities of dyeing bleached hair back to black, offering expert advice and step-by-step guidance to help you navigate this color transformation.

Table of Contents

Understanding Bleached Hair and Its Porosity

Bleaching is a chemical process that strips the hair of its natural pigment. This process also lifts the hair’s cuticle, the outermost protective layer, making it more porous. Highly porous hair absorbs moisture and color quickly, but also loses it just as fast. This is why dyeing bleached hair back to black can be challenging.

When hair is bleached, it goes through different stages, often passing through shades of red, orange, and yellow before reaching the desired level of lightness. If the hair is not bleached evenly or to a sufficient level before applying black dye, the underlying warm tones can peek through, resulting in a muddy or uneven color.

Furthermore, because bleached hair is porous, it lacks the natural pigments that help the black dye adhere properly. The dye molecules struggle to latch onto the hair shaft, leading to rapid fading and a lack of vibrancy. This is why simply slapping on a box of black dye often results in disappointment.

The Importance of Filling the Hair

Before applying black dye to bleached hair, it’s crucial to “fill” the hair with underlying pigments. This process involves using a color filler to replace the missing tones and create a more even and receptive base for the black dye.

The purpose of a filler is to deposit warm tones – typically red, orange, or copper – back into the hair. These warm tones act as a bridge, allowing the black dye molecules to properly grab onto the hair shaft. Without filling, the black dye is likely to fade quickly and unevenly, revealing underlying brassy tones.

Choosing the right filler shade depends on the current color of your bleached hair and the desired outcome. If your hair is a pale yellow, a red-orange filler may be appropriate. If it’s a darker yellow or light orange, a copper filler might be a better choice. A colorist can best assess your hair’s tone and recommend the most suitable filler.

How to Apply a Color Filler

Applying a color filler is similar to applying a semi-permanent or demi-permanent hair dye. Here’s a basic guide:

Strand Test: Always perform a strand test before applying the filler to your entire head. This will help you determine how long to leave the filler on and ensure you’re happy with the resulting tone.
Application: Apply the filler evenly to clean, dry hair, focusing on the most bleached areas.
Processing Time: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for processing time. Typically, this is around 20-30 minutes.
Rinse: Rinse the filler thoroughly with water. Do not shampoo.
Dry: Gently towel-dry your hair.

Choosing the Right Black Dye

Once your hair has been properly filled, it’s time to select the right black dye. Not all black dyes are created equal. Some are more pigmented, longer-lasting, and less damaging than others.

Consider these factors when choosing a black dye:

Formula: Opt for a demi-permanent or permanent dye, depending on your desired longevity. Demi-permanent dyes are less damaging but fade more quickly, while permanent dyes offer longer-lasting color but can be more harsh on bleached hair.
Ingredients: Look for dyes that are ammonia-free and contain nourishing ingredients like oils or proteins to help minimize damage.
Reviews: Read online reviews to get an idea of the dye’s pigmentation, longevity, and potential for fading.

It’s generally recommended to choose a true black or a blue-black shade. Avoid black dyes with red or warm undertones, as these can contribute to brassiness and unwanted warmth.

The Dyeing Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve filled your hair and chosen the right black dye, it’s time to begin the dyeing process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Prepare Your Workspace: Cover your work area with old towels or newspaper to protect it from dye stains. Wear gloves and an old t-shirt to protect your skin and clothing.
Mix the Dye: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the black dye with the developer. Use a non-metallic bowl and applicator brush.
Strand Test (Again!): Even after the filler strand test, it’s prudent to do another small strand test with the black dye to ensure you are satisfied with the outcome.
Apply the Dye: Starting at the roots, apply the dye evenly to your hair, working your way down to the ends. Ensure that all strands are thoroughly saturated with dye.
Process the Dye: Cover your hair with a plastic cap and process the dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This typically ranges from 25 to 45 minutes.
Rinse the Dye: Rinse your hair thoroughly with cool water until the water runs clear.
Condition: Apply a deep conditioner to help restore moisture and hydration to your hair. Leave the conditioner on for several minutes before rinsing.
Dry and Style: Gently towel-dry your hair and style as usual.

Maintaining Your Black Hair Color

Once you’ve achieved your desired black hair color, it’s important to take steps to maintain its vibrancy and prevent fading.

Use Color-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Choose shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for color-treated hair. These products are designed to be gentle and help prevent color from fading.
Wash Your Hair Less Frequently: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils and cause the color to fade more quickly. Try to wash your hair only 2-3 times per week.
Use Cool Water: Hot water can open the hair cuticle and cause the dye to leach out. Rinse your hair with cool water to help seal the cuticle and preserve the color.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun: UV rays can fade hair color and damage the hair shaft. Wear a hat or use a hair product with UV protection when spending time in the sun.
Avoid Heat Styling: Excessive heat styling can dry out and damage your hair, causing the color to fade more quickly. Try to minimize your use of heat styling tools like hair dryers, curling irons, and straighteners.
Deep Condition Regularly: Deep conditioning helps to replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy and hydrated, which is essential for maintaining vibrant color. Deep condition your hair at least once a week.
Touch Up Your Roots: As your hair grows, your natural roots will become visible. Touch up your roots every 4-6 weeks to maintain a consistent black color.

Dealing with Potential Problems

Even with careful planning and execution, problems can sometimes arise when dyeing bleached hair back to black. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Uneven Color: If your hair color is uneven after dyeing, you may need to reapply the dye to the areas that are lighter. Be sure to focus on saturation and even application.
Greenish Tones: Sometimes, black dye can react with underlying pigments in bleached hair to create a greenish tint. This is more common when using dyes with a blue base. To neutralize the green, use a red-based toner or color corrector.
Rapid Fading: If your black hair color is fading quickly, it could be due to improper filling, using a low-quality dye, or washing your hair too frequently. Ensure you filled your hair correctly, switch to a high-quality dye, and reduce how often you shampoo.

When to Seek Professional Help

While it’s possible to dye bleached hair back to black at home, it’s often best to seek professional help from a qualified colorist, especially if:

Your hair is severely damaged.
You have a complex hair color situation.
You’re unsure about which products to use.
You’re not comfortable dyeing your own hair.

A professional colorist can assess your hair’s condition, recommend the best course of action, and ensure that you achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result without causing further damage. They have the experience and expertise to handle any potential problems that may arise.

Alternative Options: Low-Commitment Black Hair

If you’re hesitant to commit to permanent black hair, there are some low-commitment alternatives you can try:

Hair Gloss: A hair gloss can add a temporary black tint to your hair that washes out after a few shampoos. This is a great option for experimenting with black hair without making a long-term commitment.
Semi-Permanent Dye: Semi-permanent black dye lasts longer than a hair gloss but still fades over time. This is a good option if you want to try black hair for a few weeks or months.
Hair Extensions: Black hair extensions can instantly transform your look without requiring any chemical processing.

These options allow you to explore black hair without the commitment and potential damage associated with permanent dye.

Conclusion

Dyeing bleached hair back to black can be a rewarding but challenging process. By understanding the complexities of bleached hair, properly filling the hair with underlying pigments, choosing the right black dye, and following a careful dyeing process, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result. Remember to prioritize the health of your hair and take steps to maintain your new black color. When in doubt, seek professional help from a qualified colorist. With the right approach, you can successfully transition from blonde to black and enjoy your new, dramatic look.

FAQ 1: Is it possible to dye bleached hair back to black successfully?

Yes, it is definitely possible to dye bleached hair back to black. However, it requires a strategic approach due to the porous nature of bleached hair. Bleaching strips the hair of its natural pigments, leaving it more susceptible to absorbing color unevenly. This can lead to a muddy or faded black if not done correctly.

The key to success lies in understanding color theory and pre-pigmenting the hair. Since bleached hair lacks warm tones, directly applying black dye often results in a green or blue undertone. By adding warm pigments like red or orange back into the hair first, you create a balanced base that allows the black dye to adhere properly and result in a richer, more natural-looking black.

FAQ 2: What are the risks involved in dyeing bleached hair back to black?

The main risk is ending up with a black color that doesn’t quite look right. As mentioned earlier, without pre-pigmentation, the black dye can appear greenish or bluish, especially in the sunlight. This is because the black dye’s cool tones are amplified by the absence of warm pigments in the bleached hair. Furthermore, the porous nature of bleached hair can cause the black dye to fade quickly, requiring frequent touch-ups.

Another risk is damage to the already weakened hair. Repeated chemical processes, even when going darker, can further compromise the hair’s integrity. It’s crucial to use high-quality products, deep condition regularly, and avoid overlapping the dye onto previously processed hair to minimize damage. Patch testing before full application is also highly recommended to check for allergic reactions or unexpected color results.

FAQ 3: What is pre-pigmentation and why is it so important?

Pre-pigmentation is the process of adding missing warm tones back into bleached hair before applying the final black dye. Bleaching removes all color, including the underlying warm pigments like red, orange, and yellow. Without these warm tones, the cool undertones in the black dye will dominate, leading to an undesirable green or blue cast.

Pre-pigmenting essentially fills the hair’s porosity and creates a balanced canvas for the black dye to adhere to. It ensures the black dye doesn’t just sit on top of the hair but penetrates evenly, resulting in a richer, more natural-looking, and longer-lasting black color. Using a red-orange or orange-brown shade, depending on the level of bleach, is typically recommended for pre-pigmentation before going black.

FAQ 4: What kind of dye should I use to dye bleached hair back to black?

Choosing the right type of dye is crucial. A demi-permanent or semi-permanent dye is generally recommended over permanent dye for dyeing bleached hair back to black. Permanent dye can be more damaging, especially to already processed hair. Furthermore, it lifts the hair cuticle to deposit color, which can lead to increased porosity and faster fading in bleached hair.

Demi-permanent dyes deposit color without lifting, making them a gentler option. They gradually fade over time, but this can be advantageous as it allows you to slowly transition back to black without causing excessive damage. Semi-permanent dyes are even gentler and deposit color only on the surface of the hair shaft, but they also fade the quickest. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your hair’s condition, desired longevity, and tolerance for maintenance.

FAQ 5: How can I minimize damage when dyeing bleached hair back to black?

Minimizing damage starts with using high-quality products specifically formulated for damaged or color-treated hair. Deep conditioning treatments before and after dyeing are essential for restoring moisture and strengthening the hair shaft. Consider using protein treatments to help rebuild the hair’s structure, especially if it feels brittle or elastic. Avoid using heat styling tools immediately after dyeing to prevent further damage.

Another crucial step is to avoid overlapping the dye onto previously colored hair. Focus on applying the dye to the new growth and only refreshing the color on the existing black as needed. This minimizes unnecessary chemical exposure to the already processed sections. Also, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and do not leave the dye on for longer than recommended.

FAQ 6: How do I maintain my newly dyed black hair and prevent fading?

Maintaining your newly dyed black hair involves a consistent hair care routine focused on preserving color and moisture. Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for color-treated hair. Sulfates can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause the black dye to fade more quickly. Washing your hair less frequently can also help extend the life of your color.

Deep conditioning treatments should be a regular part of your routine to keep your hair hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and brittle. UV protection is also important, as sunlight can fade the dye. Consider using hair products with UV filters or wearing a hat when spending extended periods outdoors. Regular gloss treatments can also help boost the shine and vibrancy of your black hair.

FAQ 7: What should I do if the black dye fades and turns brassy or green?

If the black dye fades and turns brassy or green, it indicates that the underlying warm tones are lacking. The easiest solution is to use a color-depositing shampoo or conditioner specifically formulated for black hair. These products contain pigments that will help refresh the color and neutralize any unwanted brassy or green undertones. Look for products with blue or violet pigments to combat brassiness, and red or orange pigments to counteract greenness.

For a more intense color correction, you can consider re-pre-pigmenting your hair with a warm-toned demi-permanent dye before reapplying the black dye. This will replenish the missing warm pigments and create a more stable base for the black dye to adhere to. Be sure to choose a demi-permanent dye that is close to your desired shade of red-orange or orange-brown, and always perform a strand test before applying it to your entire head.